Storm Devastates UAE: Streets Flooded, Damage Everywhere

Stormy Weather in UAE: Flooded Streets, Damaged Cars, and Uprooted Trees by Morning

By dawn on Thursday, the United Arab Emirates was hit by particularly strong stormy rains and windstorms, disrupting several areas, causing damage, and highlighting the increasingly unpredictable evolution of the region's weather. The highest amount of rainfall was received by Ras Al Khaimah, where residents were shocked by the extent of the damage in the morning hours. However, residents of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain also felt the impact of the storm – albeit with varying intensity.

Consequences of the Night's Storm

Several residents in the Ras Al Khaimah region reported awakening to the sound of thunder, accompanied by continuous, almost deafening rain. During the fierce windstorms, several objects were blown away, and water leaked into homes through windows and doors. The rainwater flooded the floors of homes – not only in living rooms but also in bedrooms and children's rooms, where it was ankle-deep.

The storm did not only cause problems in homes but also in infrastructure. Ras Al Khaimah police sent warning messages to residents' phones, drawing attention to the changed weather conditions, increased rainfall, strong gusts of wind, and the resulting dangers. They specifically warned against staying near water-filled ponds, ditches, and riverbeds.

Hail and Standing Water – Tangible Traces of the Storm

According to reports from the local weather monitoring platform Storm.ae, hail fell in several areas, an unusual and concerning phenomenon considering the climate of the United Arab Emirates. Video footage showed hailstones bouncing along roads as cars attempted to traverse water-covered stretches.

Residents of Umm Al Quwain also woke up to rain – here, the rain ceased by morning, but the ground remained wet, and smaller water pools continued to hinder traffic in lower-lying areas. Reports from the Sharjah region and Dubai's outskirts also indicated dense cloud cover, light drizzle, and water overflow.

Damage to Cars and Public Spaces

When residents stepped outside in the morning, they were met with a disheartening sight in many places. Several cars were struck by branches and various debris blown by the wind. Some vehicles were damaged by tree branches, while others had their bodywork dented by pebbles and flying objects. The sidewalks, parking lots, and public spaces bore the widespread marks of the storm's rampage: broken tree branches, scattered leaves, and layers of mud covered the surfaces.

Particularly damaged were cars parked under trees or near residential areas. These cases highlight the importance of considering weather conditions when choosing parking spots in the future – especially during stormy periods.

Disruptions in Daily Life – Transportation, Shops, Lifestyle

Standing water on sections of roads lacking water retention capacity caused significant disruptions in traffic. Several low-lying shops had to remain closed as water infiltrated their interiors. Owners stated that they could only reopen once the roads were dry and store floors were no longer wet.

In the areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the situation was milder, characterized by scattered rain and cloudy skies, yet residents still experienced uncertain weather conditions due to falling air pressure. Such low-pressure systems often accompany showers, windstorms, and sudden thundercloud formations.

What to Expect in the Coming Days?

Weather forecasts predict that the stormy weather will not dissipate quickly. Due to atmospheric instability over the region, forecasts predict increased precipitation and thunderstorms through Friday. Authorities continue to urge everyone to remain vigilant and advise residents to leave their homes only when necessary. Updates on the current situation are continuously provided through social media and official channels.

Lessons and Preparation for the Future

The current stormy weather serves as a reminder that even in such climatic zones as the United Arab Emirates, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Changes in precipitation distribution, sudden atmospheric instabilities, and moisture-laden air from the sea due to climate change all contribute to the formation of increasingly intense storms in desert regions.

For residents, this means caution, preparedness, and quick response are necessary. In the future, it may be wise to acquire sandbags, store electrical devices in elevated places, and follow official warnings and advice. For communities, it is crucial to band together and support each other in more challenging situations.

The United Arab Emirates is a rapidly developing country, and while it is outstandingly advanced in terms of technology and infrastructure, the unpredictability of the weather can still challenge daily life. This recent storm was another reminder: weather knows no boundaries and affects everyone.

(Source: Based on a communication from the National Meteorological Center.)